June 
in a tree, and more brightly colored than his 
fellows with a sulphurous-yellow breast, and 
tail-feathers largely chestnut. It is so shy that 
it commonly makes off the instant one ap- 
' proaches it, and, although apparently sluggish 
as seen in repose, it is extremely quick and 
dexterous as it darts forth to secure the help- 
less insect that falls in its way. An unex- 
plained and not very winsome peculiarity of 
this bird is, that almost invariably its nest is, 
in part, composed of cast-off snake skins; 
doubtless for a good reason. Science would 
hardly be worth the study if it were a mere 
collection of irrational, capricious facts. But 
whatever path one may follow in nature, he is 
sure to start up inquiries so much faster than he 
solves them that, after all, the wisest scientist 
is he whose head is the most filled with un- 
answered questions. 
Another inquiry suggested by the flycatchers 
is, the purpose served by that peculiarity com- 
mon to all of this family, and quite rare in all 
the others—the more or less erectile crown- 
feathers, and whether there is any relation 
between this singularity and their distinctive 
habits. Unless we regard many of such pecul- 
iar details as arbitrary and hap-hazard, which 
18I 
